Solar energy is that which is produced by the sun. There are several ways to solar energy: photovoltaic and solar thermal. In the first case we are talking about the energy produced by sunlight itself, while in the second the producing agent is not light, but heat.
the sun is one of the most developed renewable energy sources. Its use is achieved through photovoltaic panels riddled with solar cells that convert sunlight into electricity thanks to the photoelectric effect, which consists of absorbing photons of light and releasing electrons which generate electric current.
The solar thermal approach consists of installing solar collectors in the form of panels or mirrors that absorb and concentrate solar heat. This heat is transferred to a fluid which is transported through pipes to buildings and installations where electricity is produced with this same concentrated heat.
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What are the advantages of solar energy?
The main advantage of this type of energy is that it is renewable, that it comes from an infinite resource on a human scale and available all over the world. In addition, its production generates low levels of pollution, so it is positive for the environment. In countries like Spain, which enjoys thousands of hours of sunshine a year, Solar energy is an important way to generate jobs and income.
The use of renewable energies is part of what is called green economy and it is also a fundamental pillar of the project Green New Deal in which many countries want to embark on making more sustainable use of natural resources without giving up progress.
At the technical level, solar power projects require a low level of maintenance, which is also very economical. In many countries, solar energy is encouraged through public subsidies as a means of reducing dependence on other, more harmful energy sources such as fossil fuels.
Major energy companies around the world are setting up powerful solar energy infrastructures in isolated points of the network and in rural or difficult to access areas, because this road is very suitable for provide electricity to geographic areas that do not have access to this basic good.
The continuous innovation of companies and public and private administrations makes it possible to reduce more and more the cost of photovoltaic panels and solar collectors, to make them more accessible, so that this translates into a a more powerful implementation of this form of energy, particularly at the domestic level and for self-consumption.
A final beneficial aspect of solar energy is that it is an important source of wealth, as it reduces foreign demand for energy in many countries. At the domestic level, this is also reflected in the cost of the electricity bill. Self-consumption allows families or communities of owners to access much cheaper energy, because it is their own solar panels that generate this electricity. Thus, it is not necessary to go as far as the energy mix, which includes other sources such as fossil fuels or nuclear power.
The main disadvantage of solar energy, like wind, is that depends on the weatherbut for this, there are more and more developed methods of electrical storage allowing to anticipate the circumstances of absence of sun and wind.
What is the state of self-consumption of electricity?
The use of solar panels At the domestic level, it mainly boils down to serving as a system to generate electricity and provide domestic hot water at home. In general, as explained in Svea Solar, the installation of these devices manages to be profitable over a period of about 10 years. From there, all the electricity generated has a positive impact on a lower cost in the total bill.
On the other hand, some individuals can sell the excess energy produced to the general systemAlthough for this you need to know the regulations well. To do this, the Ministry of Energy Transition shows a complete guide with questions and answers on self-consumption. In order to be able to sell the excess energy, it is mandatory to use the self-consumption modality with surpluses not subject to compensation.
Self-consumption allows significant economic savings on the electricity bill, reduces pollution levels and greenhouse gas emissions associated with electricity generation and help make the overall electricity system more efficient and cleaner.
Taking advantage of the sun as a source of energy is an imperative need in the 21st century. At a time marked by the depletion of natural resources, it is more important than ever to realize the importance of renewable energies.